Help for post-traumatic stress disorder in Melbourne

The most common initial reaction to a terrible event like an accident, serious assault, rape or natural disaster is generally relief that one survived. That tends to obscure the shock.

Left without support, the people involved in these incidents, and those who have assisted them, can experience profoundly disturbing reactions: flashbacks, unpredictable emotions, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches, stomach upsets, sweating, pounding heart or nausea.

While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives. Psychologists can help trauma victims find constructive ways of managing their emotions, enabling them to move forward in life.

Trauma may occur in two ways: either direct experience, where the survivor experiences a horrible incident or treatment, or second-hand experience such as hearing of or witnessing a traumatic incident.

What are some of the signs?

Physical

Increased or decreased appetite

Excessive drug or alcohol use

Feeling tense or agitated

Emotional

Anxiety and stress

Anger

Emotional numbness

Cognitive

Flashbacks to the traumatic experience

Loss of self-esteem

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can affect those who personally experience the catastrophe; those who witness it and those who pick up the pieces afterwards, including emergency workers and law-enforcement officers. Friends or family members who do not witness the event can also suffer.

PTSD develops differently depending on the individual. While the symptoms most often make their first appearance shortly after the event, they can sometimes lie dormant and appear even years later.

Strategies to manage PTSD

Exercise regularly to promote endorphin release

Try to limit alcohol or drug use

Don’t just wait for the symptoms to go away – seek help if symptoms persist

Learn relaxation and mindfulness techniques to calm your mind and avoid replaying or ruminating on the traumatic experience

When to seek professional assistance

You should think about seeking help from a psychologist if your symptoms are still apparent after a few weeks, or they are interfering in your ability to go about your daily routine. It is also useful to seek help if you don’t have emotional support from other,s in order to help process the experience.

For more information or to make an appointment contact us on our Live Chat or phone (03) 9629 1001 or send us an email via our contact form.